Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers Extend Breakout Center
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Noah Cates to a four-year extension worth $16 million, or $4 million in AAV.
Cates, who will be 26 when the 2025 season begins, truly had a breakout season in 2024/25. While his point totals may not show a “breakout”, Cates proved himself as a reliable center who can get the job done both offensively and defensively against an opponent’s top line.
The Flyers relied on that line centered by Cates, with Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink on the wings. Now, all three players will officially be under contract for the next season.
Cates had a career-high 16 goals in 2024/25 and 21 assists for 37 points, the second most of his career. He also had a +/- of three, which was second on the team last season.
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A 2017 fifth-round pick, Cates has proven to be a diamond in the rough, even though he is not an elite scoring center. His defensive ability against opponents’ top lines has been what makes Noah Cates special. Now, the Flyers have seemingly found gold with that line from last season.
Cates was rumored to be headed toward arbitration. Reports said that he preferred a short-term prove-it deal instead of the long-term AAV the Flyers were offering. Instead, the Flyers and Cates were able to agree on term and AAV, and got a long deal done.
With Cates’ new $4 million in AAV, the Flyers have just a touch under $19 million in cap space to resign Cam York, Jakob Pelletier, and make other possible additions to the 2025 roster.
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I would say Briere is 2 for 2 on the two RFA deals that were just completed on Cates and Forester. Also, Peletier, as someone mentioned on here or another site, maybe, just give him a 1 yr deal or let him walk. What is he going to play on the 3rd or 4th line, probably battling for a roster spot? Not a big deal.
Agreed on Briere going 2 for 2! Regarding Pelletier, I’d love to see him on a 1 year (maybe 2-way) just to see him in a full season with Poehling and a RW (Hath, maybe 4th line)
Looks like another good signing. Soild 2-way centres are worth the money.
NHL’s salary cap scheduled to increase over the next three seasons, reaching $113.5M by 2027-28. The cap will jump to $95.5M in 2025-26, then $104M in 2026-27. This contract will be a team friendly one in two years—-if Cates progresses. Assume Pelletier will be next…and York last, unless he is moved in a trade before the draft.